India

EU Threatens Meta with Heavy Fines Over Addictive Platform Design

The European Union has warned Meta that it could face significant financial penalties over concerns about addictive design features on its platforms. Brussels accused the American tech company of not doing enough to protect users, particularly children and vulnerable adults, from potential harms. The EU's concerns centre on features built into Facebook and Instagram that are designed to maximise user engagement and screen time. Regulators are pushing Meta to overhaul these design elements or risk facing heavy fines under EU digital rules.

Greater Noida hostel ordered to refund Rs 30,000 for failing to provide promised amenities

A district consumer commission in Greater Noida has ordered a hostel to refund Rs 30,000 to an engineering student. The student had paid an advance after being promised certain facilities, including food and Wi-Fi connectivity. The hostel failed to deliver on both counts, providing poor food and non-functional internet access. The commission ruled this constituted a deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act. Beyond the refund, the hostel was also directed to pay interest, compensation, and litigation costs to the student.

Meta's Next AI Glasses May Feature Continuous Watching and Recording

Meta is reportedly developing a new generation of AI-powered smart glasses with always-on watching, listening, and recording capabilities. The features, if implemented, would represent a significant step up from the company's existing Ray-Ban smart glasses lineup. Such continuous surveillance functionality has raised serious privacy concerns among observers and critics. The development echoes dystopian scenarios often depicted in science fiction, drawing comparisons to the TV series Black Mirror. No official release date or formal announcement has been made by Meta regarding these capabilities.

Delhi court sentences Rajpal Yadav to 3 months jail in Rs 9 crore debt case

A Delhi court has sentenced Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav to three months in prison after he failed to repay a significant loan amount. The court dismissed all cases filed by Yadav, upholding the earlier verdict against him. In addition to the jail term, the actor has been ordered to pay a substantial fine in each case. Yadav has been granted a two-month window to comply with the court's directives.

Modi gifts Steve Waugh framed photo during MCG visit with Albanese

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Melbourne Cricket Ground alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as part of his official trip to Australia. Modi presented cricket legend Steve Waugh with a framed photograph commemorating a meeting the two had nearly two decades ago. The two leaders jointly unveiled a sports cooperation roadmap aimed at strengthening bilateral sporting ties between India and Australia. Albanese also announced that Chennai will host a Big Bash League match during the 2026-27 season, marking the first time the Australian cricket league will be played outside Australia.

Vijay Visits Karur Stampede Families, Offers Jobs Amid Ongoing CBI Probe

Actor-politician Vijay responded to the Karur stampede tragedy, describing it as an 'unhealed wound.' The incident claimed 41 lives, prompting widespread concern and calls for accountability. Vijay extended support to the affected families by handing over employment opportunities. A Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the stampede is currently underway to determine the circumstances behind the tragedy.

Railway Board approves 4 new trains, extends one service; check routes, stations and stops

India Deepens Myanmar Ties Under Act East and Neighbourhood First Policies

India is actively working to strengthen its relationship with Myanmar as a key part of its foreign policy framework. The push falls under two major strategic doctrines: the Act East Policy and the Neighbourhood First initiative. These policies prioritize closer engagement with Southeast Asian nations and India's immediate neighbors respectively. Myanmar's geographic position makes it a critical link between South Asia and Southeast Asia, giving it strategic importance for India's regional outreach.

From Cleaning Space Toilets at 14 to Leading ESA Mars Exploration Teams

Claire Parfitt had an unusual start in the space industry at age fourteen, when her first role involved cleaning space toilets. Rather than being discouraged, she pursued higher education in physics and engineering to build her career. She steadily rose through various positions within the UK space industry over the years. Today, Parfitt leads exploration teams at the European Space Agency, focusing on advancing future human and robotic missions to Mars.

India Capable of Supplying Gasoline to Russia, but No Direct Sales Yet

Indian refiners have the technical capability to supply the gasoline grades that Russia requires, according to industry assessments. However, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has clarified that Indian companies are not directly selling gasoline to Russia. The development comes amid shifting global energy trade flows following Western sanctions on Russia. The situation has drawn attention due to the irony of India, a major Russian crude oil buyer, potentially becoming a fuel supplier to Russia in return.

Saba Karim questions Shreyas Iyer's captaincy after back-to-back T20I series losses

India's new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer is under scrutiny following two consecutive series defeats. Former national selector Saba Karim has called on Iyer to establish a clearer captaincy identity. Karim specifically questioned the decision to bat Shivam Dube at number five, noting it was inconsistent with Iyer's tactical approach at the IPL level. He emphasized that effective leadership and clear communication become especially critical for captains under pressure.

Trump Moves to Shape Electoral Rules Ahead of Next US Vote

Donald Trump is reportedly taking steps to influence the conditions of future US elections before voting begins. Having experienced the difficulty of contesting election results after the fact in 2020, Trump appears to be shifting strategy toward pre-election influence. Analysts suggest he is working to shape the legal and institutional landscape that governs how votes are cast and counted. The moves have raised concerns among critics about the integrity of upcoming electoral processes in the United States.

Typhoon Bavi Kills 15 in Philippine Landslides, Taiwan and China on Alert

Typhoon Bavi struck the Philippines, triggering deadly landslides that killed at least 15 people. The storm prompted large-scale evacuations and caused significant disruptions to transportation across affected areas. As the typhoon moved toward Taiwan, authorities there shut schools and businesses in anticipation of severe flooding and landslides. Although gradually weakening, Bavi was expected to pass over northern and eastern Taiwan before tracking toward eastern China. Japan also faced potential impacts as the storm continued its path across the region.

Israel's Rafael Turns To India For Iron Dome Missiles: Sources

If rationalised, the deal can also add greater momentum to India's Make-in-India vision and further reinforce New Delhi as a credible and trusted defence partner in the region.

Smriti Mandhana becomes youngest woman to play 300 international matches

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana reached 300 international appearances during India's women's Test match at Lord's, becoming the youngest woman ever to achieve the milestone. The 29-year-old described the iconic venue as a fitting backdrop for the historic occasion. Mandhana reflected on the self-doubt she experienced following the 2017 World Cup and how she worked through it. She also spoke about the importance of moving past setbacks and returning to fundamentals when preparing for red-ball cricket.

Haryana Police Kill 4 Deepak Nandal Gang Members, Rescue Kidnapped Businessman

Haryana Police carried out an encounter against members of the Deepak Nandal gang, resulting in the deaths of four suspected shooters. During the operation, a kidnapped businessman was rescued safely by the authorities. The gang is led by Deepak Nandal, who reportedly operates from abroad and has been linked to extortion and contract killings across northern India. The encounter has drawn attention to the gang's widespread criminal network in the region. Authorities are now working to trace and dismantle Nandal's international connections.

UK regulators bring Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle under financial oversight

The UK government has designated major cloud providers, including Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Oracle, as 'critical third parties' to the financial sector. This classification places their cloud operations under direct regulatory supervision for the first time. The move comes in response to growing dependence on cloud services by financial institutions across the country. The new framework is designed to strengthen the resilience of the UK's financial system. The regulations are set to take effect on July 13.

Squirrel Lifespan Hinges on Species, Environment, and Surviving Early Threats

Squirrel lifespans vary considerably depending on species and the conditions in which they live. In the wild, most squirrels survive only a few years due to predators and environmental hazards. Eastern gray squirrels, for instance, typically live around six years in their natural habitat. In captivity, however, squirrels can live significantly longer, with some reaching up to twenty years. Access to safe surroundings and reliable food sources plays a key role in improving their chances of survival.

Lego Trump funeral: Iranians target US president at Khamenei's burial

Salah vows to keep fighting for Egypt after World Cup Round of 16 exit

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah addressed fans with an emotional statement following his nation's elimination from the World Cup. He pledged to give his utmost effort toward advancing Egyptian football on the international stage. The Pharaohs had a notable campaign, finishing top of their qualifying group and recording their first-ever World Cup knockout stage win against Australia via a penalty shootout. Their run came to an end in the Round of 16 with a narrow loss to Argentina.